Research progress on anti-inflammatory mechanism of natural sesquiterpenoids / 中国中药杂志

Sesquiterpenoid is a kind of compound widely distributed in nature, which has a wide range of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activities. This paper would review the anti-inflammatory mechanism of sesquiterpenoid. The mechanism is mainly by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling pathways and down-regulating the inflammatory gene expression including tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1(IL-1), IL-6, IL-8 and other inflammatory factors. Thereby, the production and release of inflammatory cytokines are reduced to exert anti-inflammatory effect. This review is intended to provide reference for related research.

Insulin resistance in children with nephrotic syndrome with long-term glucocorticoid treatment and its intervention / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To investigate children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) receiving long-term glucocorticoid treatment while monitoring insulin resistance(IR) index,and analyze the influencing factors,and to observe the efficacy of metformin for preventing glucocorticoid-induced obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2.Methods A total of 32 cases including 20 boys and 12 girls with mean age of 7.6 years old(2 to 14 years old),were diagnosed as NS.All children undergoing long-term treatment of prednisone ＞ 1 mg/(kg · d) for at least 3 months.The height,body weight and body mass index(BMI) were monitored.The concentrations of serum insulin and C-peptide were determined by radioimmunoassay,the concentrations of serum HbA1 c were determined by high performance liquid chromatography,and the levels of fasting glucose,cholesterol and triglyceride were measured with an automatic measuring analyzer (American ABBO TT CCX-Ⅱ).The homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance(HOMA-IR) was calculated;When HOMA-IR ＞ 3.5,the patients were given metformin treatment for 12 weeks while supervising their height,weight,fasting blood glucose levels monthly.Results Out of 32 cases of NS with long-term use of prednisone,23 cases had HOMAIR ＞ 3.5 (72％).Thus,IR group included 23 patients,and non-IR (NIR) group had 9 patients.There were significant differences between 2 groups in BMI,age,prednisone dosage and the levels of triglyceride (TG) (all P ＜ 0.05).After 12 weeks of metformin treatment,the HOMA-IR (5.24 ± 1.82 vs 2.54 ± 1.09,P ＜ 0.01),HbA1 c levels [(6.36 ±0.82)％ vs(5.39 ±0.51)％,P ＜0.05],BMI[(27.42 ±6.12) kg/m2 vs(22.72 ±5.48) kg/m2,P ＜0.01],and TG levels[(2.03 ± 1.10) mmol/L vs(1.45 ±0.48) mmol/L,P＜0.05] were significantly reduced.Conclusions Older children with long-term use of glucocorticoid may easily lead to IR.Therefore,monitoring the HOMA-IR and early administration of mefformin is helpful for prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2.

Analysis on genotype distributions and epidemiological characteristics of Yersinia pestis plague foci in Gansu province / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the genotype distributions and epidemiological characteristics of Yersinia pestis in Gansu province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Primers were designed according to the confirmed 23 differential sections, to genotype the 202 Yersinia pestis DNA of Gansu province by PCR, and to analyze its distribution and epidemiological characteristics.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Yersinia pestis in Gansu province could be divided into eight genotypes: 1b, 5, 7, 8, 13, 26, new genotype 1 (GS1) and new genotype 2 (GS2). They were distributed in various regions. 1b, 8 and GS1 genotypes of Yersinia pestis had been identified since 1960s but the 7, 13 and 26 genotypes had not been isolated for more than 40 years while GS2 and 5 genotypes had been isolated since 1990s.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>1b, 8 and GS1 genotypes of Yersinia pestis continued to be violently prevalent since 1960s but 7, 13 and 26 genotypes had not been isolated for more than 40 years while GS2 and 5 genotypes had started to be popular since 1990s.</p>

Evaluation of the effect of up-converting phosphor technology in detection of plague antigen-antibody by receiver operating characteristic curve method / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of up-converting phosphor technology(UPT) in detection of plague antigen-antibody by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) method,and to provide a scientific basis for field application of UPT rapid detection technology in plague prevention and control.Methods Two hundred and twenty four serum samples were collected from Marmots and ground squirrels in the plague foci,Yersinia pestis antibody was detected by UPT,ELISA,Colloidal-gold Strips and IHA,respectively; 108 organs and bone marrow samples were collected,and Yersinia pestis antigens were detected by UPT,ELISA,PCR and RIHA,respectively.IHA was used as the gold standard for antibody test results,RIHA,PCR + Colloidal-gold Strips,PCR + ELISA were used as the gold standard for antigen test results.The results were evaluated using ROC method.Results Antibodies detection:the AUCs of UPT,ELISA and Colloidal-gold Strips were greater than 0.5.The difference between UPT and other methods was not statistically significant (z =1.204,P ＞ 0.05).Antigen detection:the AUCs of UPT,ELISA,Colloidal-gold Strips and PCR were greater than 0.5.There was no statistical difference between UPT and other methods(z =0.866,P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions UPT as a new technology works well in the detection of plague antigen-antibody.The technology is simple,fast,accurate,and suitable for on-site monitoring of plague,emergency treatment of sudden plague,and suitable for promotion.

Carbon disulfide exposure level of workers in a chemical fiber industry / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the exposure levels of carbon disulfide (CS(2)) for a chemical fiber industry.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The concentration of CS(2) was monitored in representative workshops and types of work, and the datas of that over the years were collected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The short-term exposure concentration of CS(2) about 80% of the type of work was less than or equal to 10 mg/m(3), which of more than 90% was less than or equal to 20 mg/m(3). The time weighted average concentration of CS(2) about 70% of the type of work was less than or equal to 5 mg/m(3), which of more than 90% was less than or equal to 10 mg/m(3). The short-term exposure concentration of CS(2) which was more than 15 mg/m(3) or the time weighted average concentration of CS(2) which was more than 30 mg/m(3) was only for little type of work.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The concentration of CS(2) for the most type of work was lower, but there were still a number of types of work exposuring the higher concentration, which exceed the national occupational exposure limits.</p>

Liver support therapy with molecular adsorbents recirculating system in liver failure: a summary of 252 cases from 14 centers in China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>A liver support therapy, named molecular adsorbents recirculating system (MARS), has been used for more than 700 liver failure patients in China. We made here a summary to evaluate the effects of MARS treatment in different applications with emphasis on hepatitis B virus (HBV) based liver failure.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This report analyzed data of 252 patients (mean age (44.9+/- 12.7) years) in three groups: acute severe hepatitis (ASH), subacute severe hepatitis (SSH) and chronic severe hepatitis (CSH). The largest group was CSH (156 patients, 61.9%), and 188 patients (74.6%, 188/252) were infected with HBV.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MARS treatments were associated with significant reduction of albumin bound toxins and water-soluble toxins. Most of the patients showed a positive response with a significant improvement of multiple organ function substantiated by a significant increase in prothrombin time activity (PTA) and median arterial pressure (MAP). There was a decrease in hepatic encephalopathy (HE) grade and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) scale. Thirty-nine of 188 HBV patients (20.7%) dropped out of the commendatory consecutive therapy ending with lower survival of 43.6% while the rest of the 149 patients had a survival rate of 62.4%. Survival within the ASH and SSH groups were 81.2% and 75.0%, respectively. In the CSH group, end stage patients were predominant (65/151, 43%), whereas the early and middle stage patients had a better prognosis: early stage survival, including orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) survival of 91.7%, middle stage survival of 75%, end stage survival of 33.8%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>MARS continues to be the most favorable extracorporeal treatment for liver support therapy in China for a wide range of conditions, including the majority of hepatitis B related liver failure conditions. The appropriate application of MARS for the right indications and stage of hepatic failure, as well as the fulfillment of prescribed treatments, will lead to the optimal therapeutic result.</p>

Effects of Rehmannia glutinosa oligosaccharides on proliferation of HepG2 and insulin resistance / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of Rehmannia glutinosa oligosaccharides (ROS) on the proliferation of HepG2 and insulin resistance.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The HepG2 cells were divided into control group, rosiglitazone (3.4 mg x L(-1)) treated group and ROS (0.1-30 mg x L(-1)) treated group. The proliferation of HepG2 was detected by MTT method. Insulin resistant HepG2 cells model was induced by high concentration of insulin, then the effects of ROS on glucose consumption in insulin resistant HepG2 cells were investigated.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>In the middle glucose culture medium, the absorbance at 570 nm of HepG2 was increased by high concentration of ROS, and decreased by low concentration of ROS by using MTT method, a concentration-dependent manner. ROS increased glucose consumption in HepG2 cells, and showed a better effect at the dose of 10 mg x L(-1). ROS promoted the glucose consumption in insulin resistance of HepG2 cells, improved the sensitivity of insulin resistance of HepG2 cells to insulin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>High concentration of ROS can promote the proliferation of HepG2, and however low concentration of ROS inhibits the proliferation of HepG2. ROS can significantly improve insulin resistance of HepG2 cells induced by high insulin.</p>

Clinical experience from treatment of seven SARS patients / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the clinical experience from treatment of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Retrospective analysis of seven patients with SARS in Ditan hospital treated since April 22 in 2004 was performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the 7 patients, 2 were male, 5 were female, and the average age was (35.3 plus/minus 11.3) years. The main clinical manifestations were fever, cough, minor or serious dyspnea, nausea, signs of injury to other organs, and so on. The treatment regiments included oxygen, small dosage and short period of methylprednisolone (1 to 2 mg/kg), use of ventilator, psychological intervention, and treatment of underlying diseases, after which, all the 7 patients recovered.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rational use of methylprednisolone and timely use of ventilator were the key steps of treatment.</p>

The treatment of molecular adsorbents recirculating system artificial liver in severe liver failure patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effectiveness and mechanisms of molecular adsorbents recirculating system (MARS) treatment in severe liver failure patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>60 single MARS treatments were performed for 6 - 24 hours on 24 severe liver failure patients with MODS.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MARS therapy was associated with marked reduction of albumin bound toxins and water soluble toxins, together with a significant removal of NO and certain cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8, and INF-gamma. These were associated with a improvement of the patients' clinical conditions including hepatic encephalopathy, deranged hemodynamic situation, as well as renal and respiratory function, thus resulted into marked decrease of sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (from 9.72+-1.89 to 6.98+-2.34), and improving outcome: 9 patients were able to be discharged from the hospital or bridged to successful liver transplantation. The overall survival rate of 24 patients was 37.5%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>There is positive therapeutic impact and safety to use MARS on liver failure patients with MODS. The effectiveness of MARS is correlated with reducing the levels of NO and cytokines, except for completely removing of accumulated toxins in liver failure patients.</p>